IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe 12" MAXI Vinyl Album

"Aces High" tells the story of a British RAF pilot fighting against the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain (1940), the first battle to be completely fought in the skies of the UK.

large album front cover photo of: Iron Maiden Aces High Europe
Album Description:

In the world of Heavy Metal, few bands have managed to capture the essence of history and heroism quite like IRON MAIDEN. From their iconic mascot, Eddie, to their legendary lyrics, their music has always been a journey through time and space. Today, we delve deep into the heart-pounding, sky-soaring epic that is "Aces High", as we explore the 12" MAXI Vinyl Album release in Europe.

The Battle of Britain: A Heroic Prelude

"Aces High" is a testament to the band's ability to turn history into sonic art. Written by lead singer Bruce Dickinson, the song takes us back to the summer of 1940 when the skies over Britain became a battleground. The Battle of Britain, fought between the British RAF and the German Luftwaffe, was a pivotal moment in World War II, and "Aces High" pays homage to the brave RAF pilots who defended their homeland against the relentless German onslaught.

A Musical Dogfight

As the needle touches the vinyl and the unmistakable guitar riffs of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith fill the air, you are instantly transported to the cockpit of a Spitfire. The galloping bass of Steve Harris and the thunderous drums of Nicko McBrain provide the perfect backdrop for Bruce Dickinson's soaring vocals.

The song's chorus, "Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die", encapsulates the fearless spirit of those young pilots as they engaged in dogfights high above the English Channel. It's a battle cry that still resonates with fans of IRON MAIDEN and admirers of history alike.

The Making of the Album

Produced by the legendary Martin Birch, who had a long and fruitful collaboration with the band, "Aces High Europe" captures the raw energy and precision that are trademarks of IRON MAIDEN's sound. Birch's meticulous attention to detail ensured that every instrument and vocal track blended seamlessly to create a sonic masterpiece.

The album sleeve design, courtesy of Derek Riggs and The Artful Dodgers, is a work of art in its own right. Featuring the iconic Eddie as a fearless pilot in the cockpit of his Spitfire, the cover perfectly complements the album's theme. It's a visual feast for fans and collectors alike.

Music Genre:

  NWOBHM, Heavy Metal 

Album Production Information:

The album: "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" was produced by: Martin Birch

Martin Birch Martin Birch was an English music producer and engineer who was active from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He was born on 26th June 1948 in East Molesey, England, and began his career as a producer and engineer in the late 1960s, working with several notable British bands of the time, including Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple.

Birch's biggest contributions to music came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he worked as a producer and engineer for several of the most influential and popular heavy metal bands of the era, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and most notably, Iron Maiden. He was an important figure in the development of the heavy metal genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important producers of heavy metal music.

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Birch's approach to production was characterized by his use of powerful and dynamic sound, which helped to define the sound of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with, and for his willingness to experiment and take risks in the studio. He was also known for his commitment to quality and his attention to detail, which helped to ensure that the albums he produced had a timeless quality and still sound great decades after their original release.

Birch worked with Iron Maiden for over two decades, producing several of the band's most iconic and enduring albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Somewhere in Time." He was an important part of the band's creative process, and helped to shape the band's sound and style.

Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, but his legacy lives on through the music he produced and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and revered.

Martin Birch's production style was known for its clarity, power and dynamic sound. He was an early adopter of using multi-track recording and employed innovative recording techniques, such as creating layered soundscapes by recording and re-recording guitar parts multiple times, to achieve his desired sound. He was also known for his use of echo and reverb to create a sense of depth and space in his recordings.

Birch was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with and his hands-on approach to production. He was often involved in the arrangements and would often suggest changes to the songs to enhance their impact. He was also known for his attention to detail, taking the time to get the sound just right, and his dedication to quality, always striving to make each album sound as good as it could.

Aside from his work with Iron Maiden, Birch also produced albums for several other influential heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and Rainbow. He was also sought after by other musicians from outside of the heavy metal genre, and worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, The Move, and Deep Purple.

Birch was awarded with several gold and platinum records for his work, and was recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre with induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2006.

Although Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and producers today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of the genre around the world.

Album sleeve design Derek Riggs, The Artful Dodgers

Derek Riggs an English artist best known for creating the iconic artwork "Eddy" for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Born in 1958 in Portsmouth, England, Riggs showed an early talent for drawing and went on to study illustration and design.

In the late 1970s, Riggs was approached by Iron Maiden to create artwork for the band's first album, "Iron Maiden." The album's cover, which featured a zombie-like figure known as "Eddie the Head," became a defining image for the band and helped to establish their visual style. Riggs continued to create artwork for Iron Maiden throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and his distinctive and often macabre illustrations have become synonymous with the band.

In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Riggs has also created artwork for other musicians and bands, as well as for books, comics, and other media. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential artists in the heavy metal genre, and his work has helped to shape the visual style of the genre as a whole.

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Today, Derek Riggs continues to create new artwork, and his legacy as one of the great heavy metal artists of all time remains intact. His influence can be seen in the work of countless other artists and musicians, and his iconic images continue to inspire fans and artists alike.

Derek Riggs was raised in a creative environment, with his father working as an artist and his mother as a fashion designer. This artistic background helped to lay the foundation for his later success as an artist. After completing his studies in illustration and design, Riggs worked as a freelance artist, creating illustrations and designs for various clients.

Riggs's work with Iron Maiden was groundbreaking, and he quickly became one of the most important and influential artists in the heavy metal genre. He was responsible for creating some of the most iconic images associated with the band, including Eddie the Head, who has appeared on almost every Iron Maiden album cover. Eddie has become one of the most recognizable mascots in the heavy metal genre, and is a beloved figure among fans of the band.

In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Riggs has created artwork for a variety of other clients, including other musicians and bands, comic books, and book covers. He has also collaborated with other artists on various projects, and has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of heavy metal art.

Derek Riggs is regarded as a true innovator in the field of heavy metal art, and his impact on the genre cannot be overstated. His work continues to inspire new generations of artists and musicians, and his legacy as one of the greatest heavy metal artists of all time is secure.

"The Artful Dodgers" a Hertfordshire based graphic design company fronted by Keith Peacock, Neil Smith and Michael Faulkner.

Record Label Information:

  EMI 1C K062 20 0385 6

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

  1984 Europe
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bruce Dickinson - vocals

    Bruce Dickinson (real-name: Paul Bruce Dickinson) an English singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on 7 August 1958, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England. He first rose to prominence as the lead singer of Iron Maiden in 1981, and was with the band for over a decade, contributing to many of their most popular and critically acclaimed albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Fear of the Dark."

    In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Dickinson has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing several critically acclaimed albums and performing in a variety of styles, including heavy metal, hard rock, and classical music. He has been praised for his powerful and distinctive voice, as well as his versatility as a singer, songwriter, and performer.

    Some of the other bands he has performed in are: Samson from 1977 to 1981, Speed late 1970s, Shots in the Dark early 1980, and solo recordings.

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    Aside from his musical career, Dickinson is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his interests in a variety of other pursuits. He is a licensed pilot, and has flown a number of historic aircraft, including the Spitfire, a World War II fighter plane. He is also an author and public speaker, and has been involved in various humanitarian and environmental causes over the years.

    Overall, Bruce Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented musicians of his generation, and his impact on the world of heavy metal music will continue to be felt for many years to come.

  • Dave Murray - guitar

    Dave Murray (Full-name: David Michael Murray ) is an English guitarist best known as a member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on December 23, 1956 in London, England and is one of the founding members of Iron Maiden, along with bassist Steve Harris. Murray is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal music and has been a member of Iron Maiden since their inception in 1975.band.

    Murray's musical style is characterized by his fluid and intricate lead guitar playing, as well as his creative use of harmonies and solos. He is known for his distinctive sound and technical prowess, and is widely regarded as a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. He has played on all of Iron Maiden's studio albums and has been an integral part of the band's success, helping to establish their distinctive sound and style.

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    In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, Murray has collaborated with a number of other musicians and bands over the years. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists in heavy metal, and continues to tour and perform with Iron Maiden to this day. He remains an active member of the band and continues to play an important role in their ongoing success.

    Dave Murray has been a member of Iron Maiden since the band's formation in 1975 and has been a key part of their sound and style ever since. He is known for his fluid, melodic playing style and his ability to incorporate intricate harmonies and solos into Iron Maiden's music. Over the years, Murray has established himself as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal and has earned a reputation as a master of the genre.

    One of the hallmarks of Murray's playing style is his use of harmonies and counter-melodies in his solos. He often doubles his lead lines with a second guitar part, creating a rich and layered sound that has become a signature of Iron Maiden's music. He is also known for his creative use of bends and vibrato, as well as his ability to incorporate classical music and folk influences into his playing.

    Throughout his career with Iron Maiden, Murray has remained a dedicated and hard-working musician. He has continued to evolve his playing style and push the boundaries of heavy metal guitar, and has been an important part of Iron Maiden's success and longevity as a band. He remains an active member of the band and continues to tour and perform with them to this day, entertaining fans with his virtuosic guitar playing and his distinctive sound.

  • Adrian Smith - guitar, backing vocals

    Adrian Smith (Full-name: Adrian Frederick Smith) an English musician and songwriter, best known as the guitarist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on 27 February 1957 in Hackney, East London, England.

    Smith joined Iron Maiden in 1981 and has been a member of the band ever since. He has played a key role in the development of the band's sound and style, and has contributed numerous iconic and enduring guitar riffs and solos to their songs. Some of his most famous contributions include the guitar work on classics such as "Hallowed Be Thy Name," "Two Minutes to Midnight," and "The Trooper."

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    Adrian Smith is known for his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles, which has been a key factor in his success as a guitarist. In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, he has also explored other musical genres and influences, including blues, classic rock, and folk. He has been praised for his ability to write and perform complex and intricate guitar parts that complement the songs and add depth and dimension to the overall sound of Iron Maiden.

    Smith has also been praised for his technical ability and his mastery of the guitar. He is known for his fast and fluid playing style, and his ability to incorporate complex harmonic and melodic ideas into his solos and lead lines. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential guitarists of the heavy metal genre, and has been an inspiration to countless other musicians and aspiring guitarists.

    In addition to his musical contributions, Smith is also known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to his craft. He is widely regarded as one of the most dedicated and focused musicians in the heavy metal genre, and has been praised for his unwavering commitment to his music and his band.

    Despite his success and impact on the heavy metal genre, Smith has remained a humble and approachable person. He is widely respected and admired by fans and fellow musicians alike, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music.

  • Steve Harris - bass guitar, backing vocals

    Steve Harris (Full-name: Stephen Percy Harris ) an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the bassist and primary songwriter for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on March 12, 1956 in Leytonstone, East London, England.

    Harris formed Iron Maiden in 1975 and has been a member of the band ever since. He has been the driving force behind the band's success, and has played a key role in the development of their sound and style. As the band's bassist and primary songwriter, he has written many of their most famous and enduring songs, including "The Trooper," "Hallowed Be Thy Name," and "Fear of the Dark."

    Steve Harris is considered a pioneer of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, and is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music. In addition to his work as the bassist and primary songwriter for Iron Maiden, he has also been involved in several other musical projects over the years, including the production of several albums and the formation of a side project called British Lion.

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    Harris is known for his distinctive and energetic bass playing style, which features fast and intricate runs and a powerful and driving rhythm. He is also known for his strong stage presence and charismatic personality, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal bassists of all time.

    In addition to his musical contributions, Harris is also known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He is widely regarded as one of the most focused and dedicated musicians in the heavy metal genre, and has been praised for his unwavering commitment to the music he loves.

    Despite his success and impact on the heavy metal genre, Harris has remained a down-to-earth and approachable person. He is widely respected and admired by fans and fellow musicians alike, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music.

    Timeline of Steve Harris's career until early 1990s:

  • Nicko McBrain - drums

      Nicko McBrain (real-name: Michael Henry McBrain) Nicko McBrain is an English drummer, best known as the drummer for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He joined the band in 1982 and has been with them ever since, playing on many of their most famous albums including "Powerslave" and "The Number of the Beast". McBrain was born Michael Henry McBrain on 5 June 1952, in London, England. He began playing the drums at a young age and went on to play with several other bands before joining Iron Maiden. He is widely regarded as one of the best heavy metal drummers of all time, known for his precise and powerful drumming style. He continues to tour and record with Iron Maiden to this day.

     McBrain's drumming style is characterized by its speed, precision, and power, making him a popular and influential figure in the world of heavy metal. He has also been praised for his ability to incorporate complex rhythm patterns and fills into his playing, which has helped to elevate Iron Maiden's music to a new level. In addition to his work with Iron Maiden, McBrain has also collaborated with a number of other musicians and bands over the years, including Gary Moore and Pat Travers.

     Throughout his career, McBrain has received numerous awards and accolades for his drumming, including several from Modern Drummer magazine. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions to the world of rock and roll music.

     Nicko McBrain played with several other bands. Some of his earlier musical endeavors include the bands Streetwalkers, Trust , and Pat Travers Band. He also played with a band called Rock Therapy, which was formed by future Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris. McBrain's experience playing with these and other bands helped him to develop his skills as a drummer and laid the foundation for his future success with Iron Maiden.

     In addition to his musical pursuits, McBrain is also known for his philanthropic work, including his support of several charitable organizations that benefit children and animals. He is an advocate for animal rights and has used his platform to raise awareness about important social and environmental issues.

     Overall, Nicko McBrain is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential drummers of his generation, and his impact on the world of heavy metal music will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Complete Track-listing of the album "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe"

The detailed tracklist of this record "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" is:

    Track-listing Side One:
  1. Aces High
    Track-listing Side Two:
  1. King Of Twilight
  2. The Number Of The Beast (Live Version)
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover  "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe"
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Album Back Cover  Photo of "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe"
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Photo of "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" 12" LP Record - Side One:
High Resolution Photo #12 IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe  
Photo of "IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
High Resolution Photo #13 IRON MAIDEN - Aces High Europe  

 Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

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